Starbucks to phase out use of bug extract as food coloring - Apr. 19, 2012

Answer 1

Starbucks has announced that it is phasing out the use of an insect-based extract, called cochineal, as food coloring in 2 of its drinks and 4 food products by the end of June.

After June, Starbucks will use lycopene, a tomato-based extract, as food coloring. The decision is in response to customer petitions asking to stop using the insect-based extract and switch to a vegan-friendly extract.

The Starbucks products with cochineal extract are: Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, Raspberry Swirl Cake, Birthday Cake Pop, Mini Donut with pink icing and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie.

Cochineal is a natural product approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is commonly used as red dye.